Joshua Trinidad soundtracks photographs, Ian Cooke and DeVotchKa on Daytrotter, more music news

Joshua Trinidad is to the trumpet as a young boy is to “Call of Duty” — inseparable without the other and masters of their domain. Trinidad is off to New York City to promote his forthcoming album, “Buck,” inspired by the talented photographer Chris Buck. Talk Talk caught up with Trinidad before he packed his carry-on and trumpet to head east. The Harry Dean Stanton photo comes to us via Chris Buck, which also bears the same name as one of the tracks off of the new album.

How did you and Mr. Buck connect?

“This is an interesting story. It was December 22nd, and my friend and I were at Twist and Shout looking through some albums and such and right before we left he told me that he wanted to go look at some of the soundtracks. I told him, ‘Why would you do that? Let’s just go.’ Well, as we were standing there looking at all these soundtracks; it hit me. I wanted to write a soundtrack, but to photos. I was unsure of the details, but I knew that I was on to something interesting here.

That week I went home and tried to brainstorm which photos I wanted to write music to; whose photos and how this would all work out. My first thought was to pick some local photographers that I love and to write music to those pictures, but I was encouraged by my wife to expand out a bit and try to network a bit outside of Colorado. So, I was already starting to think about who was the best in the world. I did lots of research and talked to lots of friends and I was directed to Chris Buck.

I spent a week researching Chris’ work and what he had accomplished and who he had worked with. The more I learned about Chris, the more I fell in love with what he does as a photographer. I had a feeling though, that it might be impossible to ask this man to collaborate with me on this album, since I was a ‘nobody’ and he is ‘somebody.’ People around me said to just ask and see what he says; the worst thing he can say is no. Well, I emailed him and got a response back pretty quickly. He told me he was intrigued by the idea and that he was interested in the project. I was excited and motivated to make the best music I could to represent his photos.

He sent me mountains of photos and links and websites where all his photos were and told me to pick the ones I loved. So I selected 10 photos and got to work on the project!”

How did you decided what photos you were going to use in collaboration with your new record, “Buck”?

“I started to look through Chris’ work and began to evaluate what I do as a composer and trumpeter and how it would work with Chris’ photographs. As soon as I would see some pictures, I would instantly hear music. For example, I wrote a song to a picture of Barney Frank alone in a court room and instantly heard distorted solo organ with a strong melody — so I got to work. I went through about 5,000 photos of his and narrowed it down to 10. Each photo had its own personality and a story of its own and I wanted to bring that out by adding a sonic pathway to make the photos stand out more.”

What prompted the album release party to be held in New York City?

“The reason I chose to do my first album release shows in New York, was due to the fact that this was Chris’ backyard and I wanted to bring the project to his world. Plus I figured this was a chance for me to meet new people outside of Denver and to try to create some new relationships in a city that I love. I was lucky enough to know enough people in Brooklyn and was able to put together a stellar band out there. Brooklyn’s finest — featuring Mike Brown on bass, David Cieri on Accordion, Jay Frederick on drums. Plus, by playing in New York, I felt this was my chance to play some great venues. So I will be doing three nights throughout New York releasing this album. The Shrine in Harlem on Aug. 13, Goodbye Blue Monday in Williamsburg on Aug. 16 and Sycamore in Brooklyn on Aug 17. At the same time as this I will plan on sitting in with some groups around the Brooklyn area, including some collaboration with musicians from Antibalas (Eric Biondo). I am planning a CD release party in Denver in mid fall though; I hope people will come to that.”

You’re a man about town sitting in with different acts and musicians. Name us the musicians in “Joshua’s Denver All-Stars.”

“I am lucky to play with so many wonderful people here in Denver, I learn so much from each band and each musician every time I play. Here is a list of bands that I currently play in now and sit in with on occasions and record with:

My band Go Star is my newest project I have been working on featuring what I think is Denver’s best musicians; Enoc Torraca on bass, Sean Merrell on Drums, Sean Barela on Guitar and Armando Lopez on sax. We are sharing the stage with the Bad Plus on October 13 at the Gothic Theatre and will be featured on the Sounds on 29th Street on PBS channel 12.”

Daytrotter welcomes Ian Cooke and DeVotchKa

Not at the same time, although that would be pretty cool. Both Ian Cooke and DeVotchKa visited the barn over in Rock Island, Ill. with their respective sessions now available for download here and here.

Achille Lauro brings us “Lightening”

Achille Lauro could be on to something by introducing competitive eating while riding a mechanical bull to the Olympics committee. Because if it were an Olympic event, methinks that the Achille crew could possibly win gold.

The Yawpers show us some “Silicone Love”

The Yawpers have upped the game in things that can be caught on film. Like, rollerblading in ultra-revealing jorts in the video for the crew’s single, “Silicone Love.” Look for the gutsy rockers to release their forthcoming album, “Capon Crusade,” in October.

Miles’ Van Jams picks up Take to the Oars for some “Morning Coffee”

Miles has the best job. Ever. That crazy Bronco gets to amp up the crowd at Mile High, kick it with cheerleaders and chauffeur musical acts about town. Most recently, Miles kindly escorted Take to the Oars about town for a stripped down take of “Morning Coffee.”

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Julio Enriquez is a Denver writer and photographer, editor of the Cause=Time blog and a regular contributor to Reverb.